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Holiday Rules #1
The One Final Rule
Christmas in paradise with my best friend… what could go wrong?
I spend every Christmas Eve with Mateo Sanz. It’s a decade-long tradition, but this year, his family is spending the holidays in the Dominican Republic. Did I mention it’s a destination wedding? Or that his cousin is marrying his ex-girlfriend? Oh, and I offered to fake date him to avoid the god-awful familial pity that’s no doubt following him straight to the Caribbean?
It should be an easy task, except Mateo is not only confident, charismatic, hot as sin, and the kindest man I’ve ever known. He’s also the best friend I’d never want to risk.
But the only way to convince his family this fake relationship is the real deal is through a whole lot of PDA, and when he begins whispering sweet nothings in my ear or holds my gaze even when there’s nobody around, the lines begin to blur.
One thing I forgot to mention? I, Daisy Zimmerman, have been in love with Mateo for as long as I can remember, even though there is no way he feels the same.
It would ruin more than our friendship if my secret were to slip out, and I’m not ready to lose the most important relationship in my life over a fake dating fiasco.
I only have to survive the week in the tropical paradise without letting my feelings for him be known. It should be easy, especially if we’re never alone. All we have to do is keep our hands, mouths, and hearts to ourselves.
We can follow all the rules…right?
The One Final Rule is a fake dating, friends to lovers, Christmas novella set in paradise. This is perfect for fans of Holiday family drama, the one bed trope and feel good romance like The Gift Rarely Given or Hallmark movies.
I spend every Christmas Eve with Mateo Sanz. It’s a decade-long tradition, but this year, his family is spending the holidays in the Dominican Republic. Did I mention it’s a destination wedding? Or that his cousin is marrying his ex-girlfriend? Oh, and I offered to fake date him to avoid the god-awful familial pity that’s no doubt following him straight to the Caribbean?
It should be an easy task, except Mateo is not only confident, charismatic, hot as sin, and the kindest man I’ve ever known. He’s also the best friend I’d never want to risk.
But the only way to convince his family this fake relationship is the real deal is through a whole lot of PDA, and when he begins whispering sweet nothings in my ear or holds my gaze even when there’s nobody around, the lines begin to blur.
One thing I forgot to mention? I, Daisy Zimmerman, have been in love with Mateo for as long as I can remember, even though there is no way he feels the same.
It would ruin more than our friendship if my secret were to slip out, and I’m not ready to lose the most important relationship in my life over a fake dating fiasco.
I only have to survive the week in the tropical paradise without letting my feelings for him be known. It should be easy, especially if we’re never alone. All we have to do is keep our hands, mouths, and hearts to ourselves.
We can follow all the rules…right?
The One Final Rule is a fake dating, friends to lovers, Christmas novella set in paradise. This is perfect for fans of Holiday family drama, the one bed trope and feel good romance like The Gift Rarely Given or Hallmark movies.
180 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 6, 2025
102 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
About the author
Ambar Cordova
8 books283 followersAmbar Cordova is a romance author of heartfelt multicultural stories. With a focus on raw, emotional storytelling, she creates relatable worlds with flawed characters that feel real. She grew up in the Dominican Republic and brings the diversity as inspiration to her stories. Ambar writes books that readers not only escape into, but also find themselves in.
Her debut series, Baker Oaks, features a cozy small town in Florida showing multicultural stories that bring butterflies and sometimes tears to her readers. When Ambar is not writing she’s dancing, spending time with her family and reading.
Ambar enjoys boat rides, traveling, and spending time outside.
CONNECT WITH AMBAR
•NEWSLETTER: acordovabooks.com/newsletter
•FACEBOOK: facebook.com/acordovabooks
•FACEBOOK READER GROUP: facebook.com/groups/735186988190607
•INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/acordovabooks
•TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorambarcordova
•WEBSITE: www.acordovabooks.com
Her debut series, Baker Oaks, features a cozy small town in Florida showing multicultural stories that bring butterflies and sometimes tears to her readers. When Ambar is not writing she’s dancing, spending time with her family and reading.
Ambar enjoys boat rides, traveling, and spending time outside.
CONNECT WITH AMBAR
•NEWSLETTER: acordovabooks.com/newsletter
•FACEBOOK: facebook.com/acordovabooks
•FACEBOOK READER GROUP: facebook.com/groups/735186988190607
•INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/acordovabooks
•TIKTOK: tiktok.com/@authorambarcordova
•WEBSITE: www.acordovabooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
September 12, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
Ambar Cordova does such a great job creating two characters with the perfect balance of tension, banter, and undeniable chemistry.
Mateo is the ultimate best friend turned lover, a man who has quietly paid attention to Daisy’s every want and need, making their shift from friendship to something more feel both natural and swoon worthy. Daisy, on the other hand, is a heroine after my own heart. She is curvy, self conscious, and convinced no one will truly love and accept her as she is. Watching her realize how deeply she deserves love is beautiful.
This friends to lovers, or as Ambar calls it “idiots to lovers,” romance is both spicy and sweet, making it the perfect holiday read. If you love stories filled with heart, heat, and humor, this is one you will not want to miss.
Ambar Cordova does such a great job creating two characters with the perfect balance of tension, banter, and undeniable chemistry.
Mateo is the ultimate best friend turned lover, a man who has quietly paid attention to Daisy’s every want and need, making their shift from friendship to something more feel both natural and swoon worthy. Daisy, on the other hand, is a heroine after my own heart. She is curvy, self conscious, and convinced no one will truly love and accept her as she is. Watching her realize how deeply she deserves love is beautiful.
This friends to lovers, or as Ambar calls it “idiots to lovers,” romance is both spicy and sweet, making it the perfect holiday read. If you love stories filled with heart, heat, and humor, this is one you will not want to miss.
November 8, 2025
The holiday novellas for 2025 have all been fantastic, and Ambar Cordova is right in the middle of this mix with heartwarming holiday read. Daisy and Mateo are easy to like. Their story is balanced with banter and tension, and the location is perfect.
Daisy is perfect in Mateo’s eyes, but she has some dings in her self esteem that Mateo smooths out. The humor and steam that we expect from Ambar Cordova is there. A do not miss author with a do not miss novella.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Daisy is perfect in Mateo’s eyes, but she has some dings in her self esteem that Mateo smooths out. The humor and steam that we expect from Ambar Cordova is there. A do not miss author with a do not miss novella.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
November 7, 2025
Okay Ambar I’m not sure what you put in this book but it’s like crack I swear!! This is the cutest little holiday read!! I also love a good best friends to lovers and this was the cream of the crop if you ask me! Not only was it best friends to lovers but you have other tropes like it was always you and fake dating.
Daisy and Mateo were absolute perfect in every aspect of the word. The friendship Daisy and Mateo had gave me so much joy while reading this novella. Not only was their friendship so good but the banter, tension, and chemistry just added fuel to the fire. Don’t even get me started on when the spicy hit!!! I simply did not want to put this down!! I just loved this so so much!!
Daisy and Mateo were absolute perfect in every aspect of the word. The friendship Daisy and Mateo had gave me so much joy while reading this novella. Not only was their friendship so good but the banter, tension, and chemistry just added fuel to the fire. Don’t even get me started on when the spicy hit!!! I simply did not want to put this down!! I just loved this so so much!!
Read
November 6, 2025The One Final Rule, my fake dating, idiots to lovers, tropical Christmas novella, is finally here and ready for all of you to read!
This is the perfect story if you enjoy reading heartfelt, rom-coms with PCOS and plus-size rep, and a green flag male main character. It's less than 200 pages, and it feels like a hug!
I hope you love Mateo and Daisy as much as I loved writing them!
This is the perfect story if you enjoy reading heartfelt, rom-coms with PCOS and plus-size rep, and a green flag male main character. It's less than 200 pages, and it feels like a hug!
I hope you love Mateo and Daisy as much as I loved writing them!
December 16, 2025
Ambar, you might just be the Mariah Carey of the book community when it comes to holiday novellas!!
This was FABULOUS, best friends to lovers with fake dating and HOTTTTT CONTENT. A time was most certainly had!!
Need everyone to read this!! 🤍
This was FABULOUS, best friends to lovers with fake dating and HOTTTTT CONTENT. A time was most certainly had!!
Need everyone to read this!! 🤍
November 5, 2025
“If she’d let me, I could show her how well I could love her. If she’d let me, I could be everything she needs and more.”
This holiday novella is perfect if you want a lighthearted multicultural tropical Christmas romance that embodies Taylor Swift’s song: “Ruin The Friendship”.
What I love the most about Ambar’s writing is that she’s an educator. As a character is exposed to a new culture, she eloquently explains it within the storyline but also to the audience. In this story, we travel to the Dominican Republic. From the food, to family dynamics, to a different approach to the holidays, Ambar’s writing is as much for the characters to learn as it is for her audience.
Let’s talk about my loves Teo and Daisy. God I freaking love these two. Give me a strong, fit man who yearns for a tall, curvy queen. Give me a curvaceous goddess who both adorably word vomits when she’s nervous but can also lure her man in with deliciously filthy dirty talk. Their chemistry alone could light up the Rockefeller tree. God when the spice hit, I. Was. COOKED. Whether her books are emotional traumas or light and fluffy, Ambar will always include toe curling spice that has me craving more.
Amidst the spice and a dreamy tropical setting is nestled the most achingly tender, sweet love story. Teo and Daisy are contemporary fated mates in my mind and I will not be taking any criticism. LIKE HE THINKS HER SNORING IS SWEET. CMON YALL. This is fictional boyfriend GOLD. I loved this novella with my whole heart and it get a solid 5 stars on my end!!
Thank you to Ambar & her team for this arc in exchange for my honest review. I hope you dream of sugar plums and a third spicy novella WHO SAID THAT….🤭🤭🤭
This holiday novella is perfect if you want a lighthearted multicultural tropical Christmas romance that embodies Taylor Swift’s song: “Ruin The Friendship”.
What I love the most about Ambar’s writing is that she’s an educator. As a character is exposed to a new culture, she eloquently explains it within the storyline but also to the audience. In this story, we travel to the Dominican Republic. From the food, to family dynamics, to a different approach to the holidays, Ambar’s writing is as much for the characters to learn as it is for her audience.
Let’s talk about my loves Teo and Daisy. God I freaking love these two. Give me a strong, fit man who yearns for a tall, curvy queen. Give me a curvaceous goddess who both adorably word vomits when she’s nervous but can also lure her man in with deliciously filthy dirty talk. Their chemistry alone could light up the Rockefeller tree. God when the spice hit, I. Was. COOKED. Whether her books are emotional traumas or light and fluffy, Ambar will always include toe curling spice that has me craving more.
Amidst the spice and a dreamy tropical setting is nestled the most achingly tender, sweet love story. Teo and Daisy are contemporary fated mates in my mind and I will not be taking any criticism. LIKE HE THINKS HER SNORING IS SWEET. CMON YALL. This is fictional boyfriend GOLD. I loved this novella with my whole heart and it get a solid 5 stars on my end!!
Thank you to Ambar & her team for this arc in exchange for my honest review. I hope you dream of sugar plums and a third spicy novella WHO SAID THAT….🤭🤭🤭
November 2, 2025
This novella was perfect amount of romance and spice!
The friends to lovers and secret pining for YEARS mixed with a holiday beach trip for an ex’s wedding created a perfect amount of tension and yearning in this short read.
Mateo is the perfect book boyfriend - he pays attention to her needs, he knows her body, and he takes care of her like no one else.
Daisy is a strong force but the softness when she’s with Mateo is so relatable.
These two are a perfect match and while there was a quick miscommunication/misread situation I loved how he talk to her and not at her to get through it.
I loved the bonus epilogue so be sure to check it out after reading this one!
Thank you Ambar for this eArc!
The friends to lovers and secret pining for YEARS mixed with a holiday beach trip for an ex’s wedding created a perfect amount of tension and yearning in this short read.
Mateo is the perfect book boyfriend - he pays attention to her needs, he knows her body, and he takes care of her like no one else.
Daisy is a strong force but the softness when she’s with Mateo is so relatable.
These two are a perfect match and while there was a quick miscommunication/misread situation I loved how he talk to her and not at her to get through it.
I loved the bonus epilogue so be sure to check it out after reading this one!
Thank you Ambar for this eArc!
November 15, 2025
This is the second Christmas novella I’ve read from Ambar, and it honestly made me want to pack up and go on vacation! I started it thinking I’d read just a few chapters, but by the time I was ready to take a break, I only had two chapters left. So this was a super fast, cute, and fun read.
I loved Mateo and Daisy! I really enjoyed how both of them were so scared and nervous about ruining their friendship while secretly wanting more from each other. It’s definitely a slow burn, but once things heat up whew the spice was so good! Also if any of my ex are reading this.. first go away and secondly, don’t you dare invite me to your wedding!!!
I also loved how protective they were of each other. Ugh, there’s only so much I can say without spoiling it, so I’ll stop here and just tell you: add this one to your Christmas TBR and put it at the top!
I loved Mateo and Daisy! I really enjoyed how both of them were so scared and nervous about ruining their friendship while secretly wanting more from each other. It’s definitely a slow burn, but once things heat up whew the spice was so good! Also if any of my ex are reading this.. first go away and secondly, don’t you dare invite me to your wedding!!!
I also loved how protective they were of each other. Ugh, there’s only so much I can say without spoiling it, so I’ll stop here and just tell you: add this one to your Christmas TBR and put it at the top!
November 25, 2025
4.75 stars.
Ok, buckle in folks because this will likely not be coherent because I AM OBSESSED! Teo and Daisy are everything and then some! Like 20 years of quietly loving each other and then finally getting to see them love each other out loud was so amazing! Teo is the literal dream man, and had be sobbing so much because of how much he cares. I cannot. I am obsessed. Give me more immediately!
Ok, buckle in folks because this will likely not be coherent because I AM OBSESSED! Teo and Daisy are everything and then some! Like 20 years of quietly loving each other and then finally getting to see them love each other out loud was so amazing! Teo is the literal dream man, and had be sobbing so much because of how much he cares. I cannot. I am obsessed. Give me more immediately!
November 10, 2025
DON'T GET ME WRONG this is still very Ambar coded and written perfectly. They are in fact idiots in love and it had its moments that made me giggle. But all in all...it wasn't my favorite.
I love Ambar as a human and as an author. I love her writing and her emotional depths...this one and I just didn't fully mesh. It probably 100% is because of me and I'm not fully a novella girl lol
I love Ambar as a human and as an author. I love her writing and her emotional depths...this one and I just didn't fully mesh. It probably 100% is because of me and I'm not fully a novella girl lol
November 1, 2025
if Ambar Cordova writes it? I’m going to read it. this was such a full circle moment for me because the first book i ever read from the author was her first christmas novella.
the decades long pining was physically attacking me off those pages & i loved every single second of it.
when i hear “friends to lovers” as a trope, this is exactly what i want to feel, hear and expect that comes from it.
thank you a MILLION to the author for providing me with an eARC copy of this delicious read!!!
the decades long pining was physically attacking me off those pages & i loved every single second of it.
when i hear “friends to lovers” as a trope, this is exactly what i want to feel, hear and expect that comes from it.
thank you a MILLION to the author for providing me with an eARC copy of this delicious read!!!
November 7, 2025
Such a cute Christmas novella that isn’t overlyyy Christmas! Nevertheless who doesn’t love a Christmas vacation? Long time best friends to lovers, with good spice & cute romance. BIG golden retriever MMC. Another great read by Ambar!
Read
December 15, 2025DNF @63%
I just didn’t really like the dialogue.
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
The Catalog: F/M, fake date to his ex’s wedding, childhood friends to lovers, mutual pining, only one room, bestie’s brother, cinnamon roll MMC, resort in the Dominican Republic, Dominican MMC, tall curvy FMC, PCOS representation, he tracks her periods,
I just didn’t really like the dialogue.
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
The Catalog: F/M, fake date to his ex’s wedding, childhood friends to lovers, mutual pining, only one room, bestie’s brother, cinnamon roll MMC, resort in the Dominican Republic, Dominican MMC, tall curvy FMC, PCOS representation, he tracks her periods,
December 6, 2025
OMG! I’m obsessed
Ahhh!!! I absolutely loved reading Mateo and Daisy’s story!!!
The 💦 play?? LORD that was H-O-T-T
I’m embarrassed to say this was my first AC book but I am now obsessed and will be reading more..
Ahhh!!! I absolutely loved reading Mateo and Daisy’s story!!!
The 💦 play?? LORD that was H-O-T-T
I’m embarrassed to say this was my first AC book but I am now obsessed and will be reading more..
November 8, 2025
This novella was the perfect balance of sweetness and spice! The friends-to-lovers tension and years of secret pining mixed with a beachside wedding trip made for the ultimate slow-burn payoff. Mateo is total book-boyfriend material! He’s attentive, tender, and completely devoted. Daisy’s strength and vulnerability shine through every scene. Their chemistry is undeniable, and I loved how they handled conflict with real communication instead of drama. And that bonus epilogue? Pure perfection. Don’t skip it!
November 6, 2025
The One Final Rule is like a warm, holiday hug in book form! Mateo and Daisy’s story truly might be Ambar’s best writing yet and their story is just so. Much. Fun! Fake dating is my catnip, so that was a point right there for them, but honestly! Who they were, how they got here was just so lovely and awe-invoking. The absolute yearning from both sides that the other didn’t have a clue about lent to some delicious sexual tension that was sure delivered on later in the book. 🥵 The setting was really fun, as well, a week of Christmas in a tropical paradise where they end up in one hotel room by happy accident? Sign me up! Ambar is a true genius when it comes to capturing the emotions of these characters as they fight themselves to figure out if the friendship is worth ruining for a lifetime of love, and when they figure it out? Beautiful. Did I mention Mateo’s ex is on the island too, just to spice things up since she’s marrying into his family now? Yeah, this is a holiday romance you do not want to miss!
November 24, 2025
Is it really fake dating if both idiots are already hopelessly in love? Even everyone around them knows Daisy and Mateo are meant to be—and watching them finally figure it out is half the joy of this warm, spicy, holiday-in-paradise novella.
Ambar Cordova delivers a fun, feel-good Christmas romance with The One Final Rule, blending tropical holiday vibes, sharp banter, heartfelt moments, and just the right touch of heat. I especially loved the cultural holiday details woven into the Dominican Republic setting—it gave the story a fresh, vibrant twist on the classic Christmas romance.
Daisy and Mateo have been best friends forever, and their tradition of spending Christmas Eve together is the heart of their bond. But when Mateo has to attend his ex’s destination wedding, Daisy steps in as his “fake” girlfriend. One room. One bed. One week of pretending. And absolutely no chance their real feelings stay hidden.
Their mutual pining is so sweet and so painfully obvious in the best way. I loved how maturely they communicated once the walls finally cracked, showing the beauty—and vulnerability—of shifting from friends to lovers.
Ambar also brings thoughtful representation with Daisy’s PCOS. Mateo’s tenderness, patience, and unwavering support were beautifully written. And yes, this cinnamon-roll sweet man definitely knows how to turn up the spice when needed.
There’s playful family chaos, perfectly timed jealousy, catty moments with the bride (who also happens to be Mateo’s ex!), and siblings and cousins who had me laughing out loud.
A little angst, a whole lot of yearning, and a swoony payoff that left me grinning. The perfect holiday escape for anyone who loves fake dating, forced proximity, and best-friends-to-lovers magic set under the Caribbean sun.
Ambar Cordova delivers a fun, feel-good Christmas romance with The One Final Rule, blending tropical holiday vibes, sharp banter, heartfelt moments, and just the right touch of heat. I especially loved the cultural holiday details woven into the Dominican Republic setting—it gave the story a fresh, vibrant twist on the classic Christmas romance.
Daisy and Mateo have been best friends forever, and their tradition of spending Christmas Eve together is the heart of their bond. But when Mateo has to attend his ex’s destination wedding, Daisy steps in as his “fake” girlfriend. One room. One bed. One week of pretending. And absolutely no chance their real feelings stay hidden.
Their mutual pining is so sweet and so painfully obvious in the best way. I loved how maturely they communicated once the walls finally cracked, showing the beauty—and vulnerability—of shifting from friends to lovers.
Ambar also brings thoughtful representation with Daisy’s PCOS. Mateo’s tenderness, patience, and unwavering support were beautifully written. And yes, this cinnamon-roll sweet man definitely knows how to turn up the spice when needed.
There’s playful family chaos, perfectly timed jealousy, catty moments with the bride (who also happens to be Mateo’s ex!), and siblings and cousins who had me laughing out loud.
A little angst, a whole lot of yearning, and a swoony payoff that left me grinning. The perfect holiday escape for anyone who loves fake dating, forced proximity, and best-friends-to-lovers magic set under the Caribbean sun.
November 7, 2025
“I’m meant to be hers, in any capacity.”
The absolute PERFECT novella I finished this in one sitting it had me kicking my feet and is just one of those feel good stories. It is so perfect how This can be read as a standalone but Mateo is Livvy’s brother from The Gift Rarely Given so we do see a good bit of her and Alex. Mateo and Daisy fit and the way the story flows I was not ready for them to end. Mateo and Daisy have been friends since childhood since Daisy is also Livvy’s best friend they have spent every Christmas together since. When Daisy learns the Sanz siblings are going to DR for not only Christmas but a wedding for Mateo’s ex and his cousin Daisy does what any best friend would do… offer to be his fake date. The mutual pining is the sweetest because they want the best for each other but do not realize that they are what is right for each other. Ambar is absolutely a 5 star author for me everything she has written is an 5 star and I love a filthy mouth Cinnamon Roll and Mateo fits the bill right along with all of the other men of Baker Oaks. If you want a sweet and spicy hallmark vibe novella pick this up today!
🎼Song Vibe- Fri(end)s by V
~~What to Expect~~
🌴Christmas Novella
🌴Fake Dating
🌴Friends to Lovers
🌴Childhood Friends
🌴Best Friend’s Brother
🌴PCOS Rep
🌴One Bed
🌴Plus Size Rep
🌴Interracial & Multicultural
🌴No 3rd Act Break-Up
~~Quotes~~
🩵There’s something about the way I could love him. I know would be good for him.
🩵If she’d let me I could show her how well I could love her. If she’d let me I could be everything she needs and more.
🩵They were not you so it was always going to be wrong.
The absolute PERFECT novella I finished this in one sitting it had me kicking my feet and is just one of those feel good stories. It is so perfect how This can be read as a standalone but Mateo is Livvy’s brother from The Gift Rarely Given so we do see a good bit of her and Alex. Mateo and Daisy fit and the way the story flows I was not ready for them to end. Mateo and Daisy have been friends since childhood since Daisy is also Livvy’s best friend they have spent every Christmas together since. When Daisy learns the Sanz siblings are going to DR for not only Christmas but a wedding for Mateo’s ex and his cousin Daisy does what any best friend would do… offer to be his fake date. The mutual pining is the sweetest because they want the best for each other but do not realize that they are what is right for each other. Ambar is absolutely a 5 star author for me everything she has written is an 5 star and I love a filthy mouth Cinnamon Roll and Mateo fits the bill right along with all of the other men of Baker Oaks. If you want a sweet and spicy hallmark vibe novella pick this up today!
🎼Song Vibe- Fri(end)s by V
~~What to Expect~~
🌴Christmas Novella
🌴Fake Dating
🌴Friends to Lovers
🌴Childhood Friends
🌴Best Friend’s Brother
🌴PCOS Rep
🌴One Bed
🌴Plus Size Rep
🌴Interracial & Multicultural
🌴No 3rd Act Break-Up
~~Quotes~~
🩵There’s something about the way I could love him. I know would be good for him.
🩵If she’d let me I could show her how well I could love her. If she’d let me I could be everything she needs and more.
🩵They were not you so it was always going to be wrong.
November 10, 2025
5/5 ⭐️ | 4/5 🌶️
Synopsis:
Mateo must travel to the Dominican Republic for his cousin's destination wedding, which will bring an end to his and Daisy's Christmas childhood ritual of celebrating it together.
Daisy strikes up a plan in hopes of not letting their ritual come to a halt — pretend to date her best friend and be his plus one to the wedding. What can go wrong with dating her best friend she's been in love with since 6-years-old?!!
Review:
This is my first book written by Ambar Cordova, and it did not disappoint! While it is a short romance, we get right into the drama and juicy details — no fluff or filler please! I was super intrigued from the very first page. Ambar has an amazing descriptive writing style. She develops these characters and showcases their relationship in such a short amount of pages that iis perfection! And I mean those spicy scenes WHEWWW!!! — I’ll never look at a hotel carpet the same.
Not only was this an amazing book, but it also taught me something new about my body. I too, have PCOS and learned a symptom can be vagina dryness — yes, I know this can be TMI but it's a real life struggle for some women. This is why representation matters - I felt seen, heard, and could relate to the FMC. Thank you Ambar for the ARC and insight.
Synopsis:
Mateo must travel to the Dominican Republic for his cousin's destination wedding, which will bring an end to his and Daisy's Christmas childhood ritual of celebrating it together.
Daisy strikes up a plan in hopes of not letting their ritual come to a halt — pretend to date her best friend and be his plus one to the wedding. What can go wrong with dating her best friend she's been in love with since 6-years-old?!!
Review:
This is my first book written by Ambar Cordova, and it did not disappoint! While it is a short romance, we get right into the drama and juicy details — no fluff or filler please! I was super intrigued from the very first page. Ambar has an amazing descriptive writing style. She develops these characters and showcases their relationship in such a short amount of pages that iis perfection! And I mean those spicy scenes WHEWWW!!! — I’ll never look at a hotel carpet the same.
Not only was this an amazing book, but it also taught me something new about my body. I too, have PCOS and learned a symptom can be vagina dryness — yes, I know this can be TMI but it's a real life struggle for some women. This is why representation matters - I felt seen, heard, and could relate to the FMC. Thank you Ambar for the ARC and insight.
November 18, 2025
Come sempre ogni libro di Ambar mi "costringe" a stare attaccata al kindle per finirlo il prima possibile, allo stesso tempo non volevo finirlo.
Questa novella dalle vibes natalizie con un friends to lovers, fake dating e TENSIONE ha catturato sin da subito il mio interesse.
Entrambi i protagonisti li ho amati/odiati perché letteralmente hanno passato anni ad amarsi ma non hanno trovato il coraggio di dirselo e avrei voluto strapparmi i capelli per loro.
Entrambi però sono l'esempio di una coppia ben bilanciata ed è uno dei motivi principali per cui vi consiglio questa novella, a parte un pò di family drama
As always, every Ambar book forces me to stay glued to my Kindle to finish it as quickly as possible, but at the same time, I didn't want to finish it.
This novella with its Christmassy vibes, friends-to-lovers, fake dating, and TENSION immediately captured my interest. I loved/hated both protagonists because they literally spent years loving each other but couldn't find the courage to tell each other, and I wanted to tear my hair out for them.
However, both are the epitome of a well-balanced couple, and that's one of the main reasons I recommend this novella, aside from a bit of family drama.
Questa novella dalle vibes natalizie con un friends to lovers, fake dating e TENSIONE ha catturato sin da subito il mio interesse.
Entrambi i protagonisti li ho amati/odiati perché letteralmente hanno passato anni ad amarsi ma non hanno trovato il coraggio di dirselo e avrei voluto strapparmi i capelli per loro.
Entrambi però sono l'esempio di una coppia ben bilanciata ed è uno dei motivi principali per cui vi consiglio questa novella, a parte un pò di family drama
As always, every Ambar book forces me to stay glued to my Kindle to finish it as quickly as possible, but at the same time, I didn't want to finish it.
This novella with its Christmassy vibes, friends-to-lovers, fake dating, and TENSION immediately captured my interest. I loved/hated both protagonists because they literally spent years loving each other but couldn't find the courage to tell each other, and I wanted to tear my hair out for them.
However, both are the epitome of a well-balanced couple, and that's one of the main reasons I recommend this novella, aside from a bit of family drama.
November 5, 2025
4.5 rounded 🩷
Another perfect little love story from my Queen Ambar
Daisy and Mateo were the perfect rep of childhood friends/best friends to lovers.
This was a friends fake dating scenario because he needs a date to his cousins wedding (who happens to be marrying his ex) and along the way they both finallyyyyyy admit their feelings for each other. They are so different from each other in a lot of ways, but they fit together so perfectly and balance each other in the best way. Their banter was fun and the chemistry and tension was palpable! Mateo is a walking green flag and a damn sexy one at that 🥵 gimme 14 of em right now 🙌 Ambar knows how to write the most understanding, caring, swoon-worthy men who never disappoint, and the women who are so relatable and strong and Mateo and Daisy both were no exception to that. Loved it!
I selfishly would have even loved this to have been a full length book where we could’ve experienced more of their friendship prior to this trip (simply because again, I’m selfish and loved them so much I’d love more of them lol). But this was still the perfect length and it was easy to devour in no time!
Another perfect little love story from my Queen Ambar
Daisy and Mateo were the perfect rep of childhood friends/best friends to lovers.
This was a friends fake dating scenario because he needs a date to his cousins wedding (who happens to be marrying his ex) and along the way they both finallyyyyyy admit their feelings for each other. They are so different from each other in a lot of ways, but they fit together so perfectly and balance each other in the best way. Their banter was fun and the chemistry and tension was palpable! Mateo is a walking green flag and a damn sexy one at that 🥵 gimme 14 of em right now 🙌 Ambar knows how to write the most understanding, caring, swoon-worthy men who never disappoint, and the women who are so relatable and strong and Mateo and Daisy both were no exception to that. Loved it!
I selfishly would have even loved this to have been a full length book where we could’ve experienced more of their friendship prior to this trip (simply because again, I’m selfish and loved them so much I’d love more of them lol). But this was still the perfect length and it was easy to devour in no time!
November 6, 2025
Okay… hear me out—this book was everything. Like, tropical setting, holiday chaos, and a man who looks at his girl like she’s literal sunshine? Yeah, I melted faster than snow in the Dominican heat 😭
Teo and Daisy… holy chemistry. He’s this strong, soft-hearted man who genuinely adores her, and she’s this tall, curvy, anxious queen who can go from adorable word-vomit to filthy seductress in 0.3 seconds. The balance between awkward sweetness and knee-weakening spice?? Iconic. My brain short-circuited at least three times.
And can we talk about how tender this book is?? Like—he thinks her SNORING is cute?? No one’s touching this man. He’s fictional boyfriend royalty. Their love feels so effortless and natural, like they were meant to find each other under the palm trees with bachata playing in the background.
Also, the cultural richness?? Chef’s kiss. The way the author weaves Dominican traditions, food, and family energy into the story—it feels so real, so immersive, and so freaking beautiful. You don’t just read it; you feel it.
I finished this book smiling like an idiot. It was warm, emotional, spicy, and pure sunshine energy—I’m obsessed.
Teo and Daisy… holy chemistry. He’s this strong, soft-hearted man who genuinely adores her, and she’s this tall, curvy, anxious queen who can go from adorable word-vomit to filthy seductress in 0.3 seconds. The balance between awkward sweetness and knee-weakening spice?? Iconic. My brain short-circuited at least three times.
And can we talk about how tender this book is?? Like—he thinks her SNORING is cute?? No one’s touching this man. He’s fictional boyfriend royalty. Their love feels so effortless and natural, like they were meant to find each other under the palm trees with bachata playing in the background.
Also, the cultural richness?? Chef’s kiss. The way the author weaves Dominican traditions, food, and family energy into the story—it feels so real, so immersive, and so freaking beautiful. You don’t just read it; you feel it.
I finished this book smiling like an idiot. It was warm, emotional, spicy, and pure sunshine energy—I’m obsessed.
November 7, 2025
Thank you to @acordovabooks for this eARC in exchange for my honest feels.
Okay, this book was just FUN. It’s a contemporary Christmas romance, but instead of snowy cabins and hot cocoa, we’re in the Dominican Republic with sunshine, beaches, sexy pajamas, one bed and a whole lot of feelings.
So Mateo has to go to the Dominican Republic for his ex’s wedding, and he brings his best friend Daisy along to pretend to be his date.
We've got
fake dating
forced proximity
one bed
friends-to-lovers
Mateo being super protective of Daisy
lots of spicy
Mateo is honestly the sweetest lover boy. The way he looks at Daisy, talks to her, breathes near her and the nickname he had for her - Daisy girl. My heart melted. Also, the family in this book is hilarious. They are competitive about literally everything — sports, trivia, you name it. There’s a whole volleyball scene and I was like YES, I LIVE FOR THIS ENERGY. I love volleyball. This one got me.
Teo hits us with the line of the century - "I'll always be your number one fan, and you'll always be my top choice, Daisy girl."
So so good. 5 stars!!
Okay, this book was just FUN. It’s a contemporary Christmas romance, but instead of snowy cabins and hot cocoa, we’re in the Dominican Republic with sunshine, beaches, sexy pajamas, one bed and a whole lot of feelings.
So Mateo has to go to the Dominican Republic for his ex’s wedding, and he brings his best friend Daisy along to pretend to be his date.
We've got
fake dating
forced proximity
one bed
friends-to-lovers
Mateo being super protective of Daisy
lots of spicy
Mateo is honestly the sweetest lover boy. The way he looks at Daisy, talks to her, breathes near her and the nickname he had for her - Daisy girl. My heart melted. Also, the family in this book is hilarious. They are competitive about literally everything — sports, trivia, you name it. There’s a whole volleyball scene and I was like YES, I LIVE FOR THIS ENERGY. I love volleyball. This one got me.
Teo hits us with the line of the century - "I'll always be your number one fan, and you'll always be my top choice, Daisy girl."
So so good. 5 stars!!
November 7, 2025
One Final Rule is Book 1 in the Holiday Rules series and it jets us off to the Dominican Republic with Daisy and Mateo for some Christmas in paradise, fake dating shenanigans
We all know I’m an absolute SUCKER for friends to lovers, it’s my weaknesssss. I quite literally melt over all the secret pining and the stolen glances. Daisy is a total boss babe and Mateo? The way this man LOVES her—-Through and through gahhhhhh don’t get me started on my filthy mouthed cinnamon roll hunny because I LOVE HIM.
I LIVE for Ambar’s holiday releases. Fun, flirty and spicy, they are the perfect remedy to the winter colds we are all bound to be battling here at any moment. Screw a doctor’s appointment….Mateo will happily boss you around, make you “show him” and tell you “atta girl”—SURE AS HECK MADE ME FEEL BETTER
Don’t miss it babes
🎁 TROPES 🎁
❤️ Fake Dating
💋 Friends to lovers
🛏️ Only one bed
🔥 Slow burn
🎄 Holiday family drama
🫦 Secret pining
💄 Overheard confessions
🌴 Christmas in Paradise
💕 Plus size rep
🫶🏻 PCOS rep
💜Interracial and Multicultural
We all know I’m an absolute SUCKER for friends to lovers, it’s my weaknesssss. I quite literally melt over all the secret pining and the stolen glances. Daisy is a total boss babe and Mateo? The way this man LOVES her—-Through and through gahhhhhh don’t get me started on my filthy mouthed cinnamon roll hunny because I LOVE HIM.
I LIVE for Ambar’s holiday releases. Fun, flirty and spicy, they are the perfect remedy to the winter colds we are all bound to be battling here at any moment. Screw a doctor’s appointment….Mateo will happily boss you around, make you “show him” and tell you “atta girl”—SURE AS HECK MADE ME FEEL BETTER
Don’t miss it babes
🎁 TROPES 🎁
❤️ Fake Dating
💋 Friends to lovers
🛏️ Only one bed
🔥 Slow burn
🎄 Holiday family drama
🫦 Secret pining
💄 Overheard confessions
🌴 Christmas in Paradise
💕 Plus size rep
🫶🏻 PCOS rep
💜Interracial and Multicultural
November 7, 2025
✨arc review✨
4🌟/5
This novella was so good!
Mateo and Daisy are the ultimate best friends turned into lovers or as the author calls it idiots to lovers and even if I'm not the biggest friends to lovers reader I enjoyed every bits of it, I honestly wished that this was a full book I needed more!
Can we take a moment not only to say that the book cover it's just so cute but what it's also amazing it's the setting tropical island during the most magical time of the year Christmas.
The writing was amazing the way the author described the characters, the culture, the storyline.
These two characters had the perfect balance of sweetness, tension and chemistry.
Mateo and daisy are secretly pining for years, the yearning and the sexual tension was so strong so intense I was so happy when they finally ruined the friendship and let their feelings be real.
Silvana Esposito
Via Giovanni Pascoli 8
84043 Agropoli SA
Italy
The one final rule it's the perfect holiday novella i truly recommend this one!
4🌟/5
This novella was so good!
Mateo and Daisy are the ultimate best friends turned into lovers or as the author calls it idiots to lovers and even if I'm not the biggest friends to lovers reader I enjoyed every bits of it, I honestly wished that this was a full book I needed more!
Can we take a moment not only to say that the book cover it's just so cute but what it's also amazing it's the setting tropical island during the most magical time of the year Christmas.
The writing was amazing the way the author described the characters, the culture, the storyline.
These two characters had the perfect balance of sweetness, tension and chemistry.
Mateo and daisy are secretly pining for years, the yearning and the sexual tension was so strong so intense I was so happy when they finally ruined the friendship and let their feelings be real.
Silvana Esposito
Via Giovanni Pascoli 8
84043 Agropoli SA
Italy
The one final rule it's the perfect holiday novella i truly recommend this one!
November 1, 2025
This book had me smiling from the very first page. Daisy was so real, funny, insecure, confident, messy, all at once. And Mateo. Oh my gosh, that man was perfection. The softest golden retriever energy outside the bedroom and pure sin inside it. Their chemistry jumped off the page, and the way they cared for each other made my heart melt. I loved the little details, the teasing, the pining, the inside jokes, and how they both had no clue how obvious their feelings were. It felt like watching two people finally wake up to what everyone else already saw. The writing was cozy but spicy, the kind of story that makes you feel hugged and flustered at the same time. The representation was done beautifully, and I loved how Ambar gave Daisy such strength and vulnerability. I finished it in one sitting. Thank you so much to the author for giving me the opportunity to read the book in advance, I received this for free and I'm leaving an honest review.
November 8, 2025
✨🎄ARC REVIEW: The One Final Rule by my Dominican Queen Ambar Cordova ✨
Christmas in paradise + fake dating your best friend + one bed. I WAS COOKED 🔥
Daisy and Mateo’s story gave me all the feels. The yearning?? Decades deep. The spice?? Toe-curling. The tenderness?? I’m still swooning. Teo calling her snoring cute? That man’s not real 😭
Ambar delivers another 5⭐️ holiday romance that’s as warm, spicy, and heartfelt as a Dominican Christmas dinner. I laughed, I swooned, I melted into a puddle of tropical cinnamon roll goodness.
She beautifully weaves in Dominican culture, family chaos, and love that feels like home. And that chemistry? It could light the Rockefeller xmas tree. 🌴🔥
If you want to the best friends to lovers done in the best way possible this holiday season, this novella is it.
🌶️ Tropes I devoured:
✨ Fake Dating
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ Best Friend’s Brother
✨ One Bed
✨ Plus Size & PCOS Rep
✨ Multicultural Romance
✨ No 3rd Act Break-Up (thank the romance gods 🙏🏽)
Ambar, mi reina, if you write it, I’m reading it. 🫶🏽
Christmas in paradise + fake dating your best friend + one bed. I WAS COOKED 🔥
Daisy and Mateo’s story gave me all the feels. The yearning?? Decades deep. The spice?? Toe-curling. The tenderness?? I’m still swooning. Teo calling her snoring cute? That man’s not real 😭
Ambar delivers another 5⭐️ holiday romance that’s as warm, spicy, and heartfelt as a Dominican Christmas dinner. I laughed, I swooned, I melted into a puddle of tropical cinnamon roll goodness.
She beautifully weaves in Dominican culture, family chaos, and love that feels like home. And that chemistry? It could light the Rockefeller xmas tree. 🌴🔥
If you want to the best friends to lovers done in the best way possible this holiday season, this novella is it.
🌶️ Tropes I devoured:
✨ Fake Dating
✨ Friends to Lovers
✨ Best Friend’s Brother
✨ One Bed
✨ Plus Size & PCOS Rep
✨ Multicultural Romance
✨ No 3rd Act Break-Up (thank the romance gods 🙏🏽)
Ambar, mi reina, if you write it, I’m reading it. 🫶🏽
November 7, 2025
Sweet, cozy funny and heartwarming. That's how I would describe this story.
Ambar has a way with words, and can makes us forget all that surround us, both in her deep and more complex stories and also in her loving rom-coms.
Mateo is just the picture perfect of all women's dreams. Friendly, caring, considerate, protective sweet and sexy as hell. It really is a pleasure to see him taking care of Daisy, even when she doesn't realise that's what he is doing.
Daisy is a sweet but confident woman, who has been in love with her best friend all her life. When he needs her help and they decide to fake date each other, we see them grow even closer and realise that sometimes it's worth taking the risk and getting their feelings out in the open.
Ambar makes us fall in love with these characters and at the same time evolve with them.
If you like a holiday novella filled with love and perfect characters you've found it here.
Ambar has a way with words, and can makes us forget all that surround us, both in her deep and more complex stories and also in her loving rom-coms.
Mateo is just the picture perfect of all women's dreams. Friendly, caring, considerate, protective sweet and sexy as hell. It really is a pleasure to see him taking care of Daisy, even when she doesn't realise that's what he is doing.
Daisy is a sweet but confident woman, who has been in love with her best friend all her life. When he needs her help and they decide to fake date each other, we see them grow even closer and realise that sometimes it's worth taking the risk and getting their feelings out in the open.
Ambar makes us fall in love with these characters and at the same time evolve with them.
If you like a holiday novella filled with love and perfect characters you've found it here.
October 27, 2025
This book was small but it did not make it any less mighty! I am just obsessed with anything Ambar writes. I finished this novella in about 2 hours and devoured it. It was such a fun, spicy and short read. Mateo and all 6’5 of him has taken up personal residence in my brain. The way this man was the ultimate golden retriever and just entirely flipped the switch and was all dominating energy in the bedroom 🥵🫠
Seeing how both Daisy and Mateo were utterly obsessed with each other through their own POV’s but they both had no idea! The pining was so delicious. When they finally got together and admitted their feelings for each other I was smiling and giggling so hard. I loved this holiday novella so much! And the epilogue and bonus epilogue had me swooning so hard 🥹
Thank you Ambar for the eARC! 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
Seeing how both Daisy and Mateo were utterly obsessed with each other through their own POV’s but they both had no idea! The pining was so delicious. When they finally got together and admitted their feelings for each other I was smiling and giggling so hard. I loved this holiday novella so much! And the epilogue and bonus epilogue had me swooning so hard 🥹
Thank you Ambar for the eARC! 💕
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5
November 1, 2025
Starting my holiday reads the right way with my girl Ambar and a festive rom-com! 🎄 This was such a quick and easy read. Daisy has officially become my top FMC for 2025. She’s unapologetically herself—a beautiful, plus-size woman who knows her worth and doesn’t let anyone bring her down. But like many of us, she’s also her own worst critic, especially when it comes to her BFF, Mateo, whom she’s secretly loved for years.
Things get a lot more complicated (and entertaining!) when she offers to fake date him as his plus-one for a Christmas wedding. Mateo completely won my heart—always the gentleman, always putting Daisy’s feelings first. Following their “rules” gets harder and harder until neither of them can deny how they truly feel.
The One Final Rule gives you that warm, cozy holiday love that every romance reader craves. ❤️✨
Things get a lot more complicated (and entertaining!) when she offers to fake date him as his plus-one for a Christmas wedding. Mateo completely won my heart—always the gentleman, always putting Daisy’s feelings first. Following their “rules” gets harder and harder until neither of them can deny how they truly feel.
The One Final Rule gives you that warm, cozy holiday love that every romance reader craves. ❤️✨
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